Description
Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, bringing tangy citrus notes and herbal aromatics together. Marinated tender chicken emerges from the oven golden and juicy, promising a delightful journey through Greek culinary traditions you’ll savor with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Citrus and Aromatics:
- 3 lemons (juice and zest)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing container to create a vibrant marinade.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while preparing a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear marinated chicken in the hot skillet, developing a golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and enhances flavor complexity.
- Carefully transfer chicken to a baking dish, optionally adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture during roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a bright, herbaceous finish.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy rice to complete the Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense lemon and herb flavors that penetrate completely through the meat.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for extra juiciness and richer taste compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out faster.
- Replace regular olive oil with extra virgin olive oil for a more authentic Mediterranean profile and smoother, more robust flavor foundation.
- Customize the recipe for dietary needs by swapping chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same marinade for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg